Club Ride Freedom Women's Shorts

Club Ride's Freedom shorts initially caught my eye because of their hipster-style appearance, with their figure-hugging fit and low waist, but their features mean they've got substance as well as style.

With a casual fit, they sit well below the belly button, but they aren't cut high at the back so pair with a long top or show off your lower back with pride.

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They sit in Club Ride's mountain bike range of clothing, but strike me as perfect for urban riding – with their trendy design – commuting, and even touring. I've even worn them in the office all day and no one's noticed that they are cycle shorts.

The number of pockets is very handy, especially the zipped leg pocket for keeping my train ticket safe. It's described as a smartphone pocket, but I couldn't comfortably fit mine in as I find the legs quite slim-fitting. I sized down from the medium in the photos because the waist was far too big and gaped at the back; the small fits me much better, but the legs are markedly tighter.

The material is lightweight and thin, and I was surprised to see that it's 96% cotton as it feels more synthetic – in a good, wicking way – and it's very fast-drying too. The 4% Spandex gives the fabric ample stretch to be comfy on the bike.

One bike-specific feature is the one-piece seamless gusset, which runs from each leg hem via the crotch, meaning there's nothing to catch or bother you if you ride in normal underwear.

> Check out our guide to casual kit for cycle commuting here 

There are several reflective details, too, the most noticeable being the thick rear belt loop, plus there's a hip logo, back pocket tag and a thin tab up the leg that's about 5in long. However, because this tab is on the left side (Club Ride is an American brand, set up in 2008), it's not so streetwise for UK cyclists.

This very minor niggle aside, these are a quality pair of stylish shorts that make a change from the norm, and at a decent price too.

Verdict

Good shorts for cruising around town – or country – in style and comfort